Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Writing Center Located?
We are located in the O'Malley Center, Room 207, which is across the atrium from the English Department, just before you enter into the Administration Building. The Writing Center Director's office is located in OC 206, right next to the Writing Center.
Who works in the Writing Center?
Graduate Assistants and JCU undergraduates who have taken "Principles of Tutoring" with Writing Center Director, Dr. Drew Morse. Though the Graduate Assistants are all studying English, undergraduates can be of any major.
Who comes to the Writing Center for help?
Writers visit the Center across their entire college career-from that first FYS essay to a Masters thesis. Writers of all skill levels benefit from working with other writers.
Do I need to make an appointment to use the Writing Center ?
No; walk-ins are welcome. However, if you make an appointment you are guaranteed that someone will be available to work with you when you come by. If you don't have an appointment, and the Center is busy, you might have to wait for help.
How do I make an appointment?
You can stop by the Writing Center and ask the consultant at the front desk to schedule you in our appointment book or you can call the Writing Center at 216-397-4529. You can schedule either a 30- or 60-minute session.
Can I make an appointment with a particular consultant?
Yes. Just make your preference clear when you schedule your appointment-and ask the person taking the appointment to verify that the consultant with whom you'd like to work is available at the time you're planning to visit.
How long do most sessions last?
Most sessions run 20-30 minutes. When it's busy, session times may be limited to 30 minutes so that everyone can be helped. The exception is for those who have made 1-hour appointments.
Can I drop off my essay and have a consultant fix it while I'm at class?
No. During a consultation you work one-on-one with a Writing Consultant. Consultants do not "fix" essays; they work with you to help you improve your writing-and your skills as a writer.
What can I do to prepare for my consultation?
To make the most of your session, it is a good idea to have in mind some questions about your writing. Also, it is helpful to have the assignment guidelines with you-along with any other instructions or requirements your professor has given you-as well as relevant course materials.
What kinds of writing can I bring to the Writing Center ?
You can bring any kind of text to the Writing Center, whether it's for a course or not. Examples we work with include persuasive essays, short fiction, research papers, business memos, newspaper articles, lab reports, poems, job applications, Masters theses, memoirs, and tech reports.
What aspects of writing can the consultants help me with?
Writing consultants can assist with just about any aspect of writing. They can help you organize your ideas, craft a strong thesis statement, restructure an essay, clarify and expand your key points, follow MLA or APA guidelines, refine grammar and word choices, etc. Consultants can also give you tips on how to enhance your writing process, including how to use a writer's handbook and how to improve your own proofreading skills.
What if I'm just having a hard time starting my paper-can the Writing Center be of help?
Brainstorming is an important part of the writing process. The Writing Center consultants will be happy to help you generate ideas for your paper; they might also be able to introduce you to some new brainstorming strategies.
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